Cobalt Technologies announced today that it has created a partnership with the U.S. Navy to develop performance jet and diesel fuels from biobutanol. The Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) established a program that will convert n-butanol produced by Cobalt into biodiesel fuels using technology developed at the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) in China Lake, Cali. Cobalt will have the option to obtain an exclusive license to commercialize process improvements developed under CRADA for the production of all military and consumer fuels.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the U.S. Navy to develop a renewable option for jet fuels,” said Rick Wilson, CEO of Cobalt Technologies. “It’s exciting to be part of this research, which will help relieve our reliance on foreign oil through the use of renewable fuels developed here in the United States. With our front end for producing renewable n-butanol and the NAWCWD’s technology for converting n-butanol into jet fuel, we can offer a complete process that directly addresses the military’s green fuels mandate.”

The U.S. military is the largest user of petroleum-based fuels in the country and the Navy is the largest single user. For several years, the military has been implementing its commitment to reduce its use of fossil-fuels. For the first time last year, several military jets flew using biodiesel blends, including algae, and a little more than a week ago, the U.S. Navy successfully tested an algae-fuel blend in a Command Boat.

”It is a privilege for NAWCWD chemists to work in partnership with Cobalt Technologies on this exciting technological venture,” said Dr. Michael D. Seltzer, head of NAWCWD’s Technology Transfer Program. “Anytime we can support the fleet and at the same time transfer important technology to the private sector, it is a win-win situation. As NAWCWD continues its leadership role within DoD in the research and development of alternative fuels, opportunities such as this are greatly valued.”